Lying
at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district, Chinnar was declared as a wildlife
sanctuary in 1984. It is located in the rain shadow region of the Western
Ghats. It is the second habitat for the endangered giant grizzled squirrel
in India. With an area of 90.422 sq.kms, Chinnar has the unique thorny
scrub forest with Xerophytic species.

The
undulated terrain with rocky patches increases the scenic splendour
of the sanctuary. As the altitude varies from 500 to 2,400 meters within
a few kilometer radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate
and vegetation. The highest peaks are Kottakombumalai (2144m), Vellaikal
malai (1863m) and Viriyoottu malai (1845m). Unlike in most other forests
of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during October-November
(Northeast monsoons). The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests,
dry deciduous forest, high sholas and wet grasslands.

Flora

The
following species are found in the thorny scrub forests: Acacia arabica
(Karivelam), Acacia leucofolia (Velvelam), Acacia concinna (Cheevaka),
Prosopis juliflora (Prosopis) and Opuntia dillenii (Kallimul).

The
Chinnar sanctuary is accessible by good roads from the airports of Coimbatore
and Kochi. The nearest railway stations are Aluva (200kms) and Pollachi
(60kms).

As
you travel along the road from Karimutti to Chinnar, you can spot elephant,
spotted deer, sambar, hanuman monkey and even peacocks on either side
of the road. This is a unique experience because generally one has to
go deep into the jungle to see wildlife as in the case of most other
sanctuaries.

Accommodation

Private
lodges are available at Munnar, Marayoor and Udumalpetta. One could
also find accommodation in the government guest houses at Munnar and
Udumalpetta.